Dreamy destinations in Canada that will make you feel like you’re in another country

If you take a closer look at Canada, you'll discover little fragments of the world scattered throughout its land. You might find a hunk of Spain in the Heartland, or a piece of the Grand Canyon in the Prairies, or even a slice of Ireland in the Atlantic.

These dreamy destinations bear such uncanny resemblances to popular places around the world that it's hard not to make comparisons. While they are not wholly identical to their analogs, they are similar enough in appearance and ambiance to make you feel like you've been transported someplace across the globe.

To be able to see the world without ever needing to cross international borders is a rare blessing. Fulfill your wanderlust with these ethereal wonders in Canada:

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TOP: Candle Lake (Purple Sands Beach)
BOTTOM: Pfieffer Beach (Pam Ocampo)
EDIT: Eul Basa

Candle Lake | Pfeiffer Beach

The obvious similarity between Saskatchewan's Candle Lake and California's Pfeiffer Beach is the distinct purple hue that colors their sands.

Particles of garnet are likely responsible for the effect —as the waves from the water crash onto their shores, the minerals in the sand get sorted by their respective densities.

More specifically, the garnet becomes separated from the quartz, resulting in the emergence of purple bands along the shore.

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TOP: Cape Breton (Michel Rathwell)
BOTTOM: Mizen Peninsula (Elocin91)
EDIT: Eul Basa

Cape Breton | Mizen Peninsula

At certain angles, Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and Mizen Peninsula in Ireland appear to have the same coastal contours and rolling landscapes.

Meandering roads line their undulating hillsides, making them prime locations for scenic drives and sightseeing.

Towering cliffs, wild trails, and panoramic vistas are also plentiful in these agrestal havens.

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TOP: Castle Butte (Graham Purse)
BOTTOM: Fajada Butte (Rational Observer)
EDIT: Eul Basa

Castle Butte | Fajada Butte

All it takes is one glance to see the physical similarities between Saskatchewan's Castle Butte and New Mexico's Fajada Butte.

Both structures share the same geomorphological features, including sloping sides, relatively flat tops, and sandstone layers throughout.

Buttes are typically common in locations across western Canada and the United States.

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TOP: Dinosaur PP (J MacPherson)
BOTTOM: GC (screaming_monkey)
EDIT: Eul Basa

Dinosaur Park | Grand Canyon

Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta is rightly named "The Grand Canyon of Canada" due to its strikingly similar terrain.

Some of the most important fossil discoveries from the Age of Reptiles were made in this UNESCO-designated site, including 35 species of dinosaur from 75 million years ago.

At sunset, the badlands are lit a deep orange color that is truly a sight to behold. Such time of day is rightfully known as the "Golden Hour."

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Canada v. New Zealand
TOP: Elephant Rock, P.E.I. (Joe Shlabotnik)
BOTTOM: Elephant Rock, N.Z. (itravelNZ)
EDIT: Eul Basa

Elephant Rock | Elephant Rock

Prince Edward Island has its own version of New Zealand's legendary Elephant Rock.

Unfortunately, these iconic rock formations suffered from the wrath of erosive forces, causing them both to lose their heads and trunks to the elements.

The decapitated versions still remain popular tourist attractions today.

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Canada v. Spain
TOP: Indian Head Cove (K Danko)
BOTTOM: Cala Macarelleta (Cesar Vellido)
EDIT: Eul Basa

Indian Head Cove | Macarelleta

If you squint your eyes, Ontario's Indian Head Cove at Bruce Peninsula National Park could pass as the Cala Macarelleta, a heavily-frequented tourist hotspot in Menorca, Spain.

But looks can be deceiving—turquoise waters are not an indicator of tropical-like waters.

A swim at Indian Head Cove is far from warm; though, that hasn't stopped Canadians from braving the icy dip.

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Canada v. Switzerland
TOP: Lake Louise (Jooinn)
BOTTOM: Oeshinen Lake (Jorge Cancela)
EDIT: Eul Basa

Lake Louise | Oeschinen Lake

Lake Louise, one of the most prized lakes in Canada, is tucked away in the mountains just like Oeschinen Lake in Switzerland.

The lakes, which are both fed by glaciers, offer breathtaking scenes of their mountainous landscapes, especially in the winter when the surrounding greenery is covered in white.

At Lake Louise, visitors can stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which sits right at the edge of the lake facing the mountains.

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Canada v. Norway
TOP: Westbrook Pond (Wikibunt)
BOTTOM: Sunnylvsfjorden (Davreina)
EDIT: Eul Basa

Gros Morne | Sunnylvsfjorden

Westbrook Pond, which is located in Newfoundland and Labrador's Gros Morne, is a fjord comparable to those in Norway.

It seems to have a similar shape and size to Norway's Sunnylvsfjorden in particular, especially when viewed from the base.

Both fjords were formed by glaciers, which upon retreating carved their characteristic U-shaped valleys.


Photo by Marti Gutfreund

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Comments (1)

  • Jennifer Reply

    Can’t wait for my emails!

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